Napoli Intensify Pursuit of Rasmus Højlund with Advanced Transfer Negotiations

Napoli are now advancing in talks to sign Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage as the Serie A champions seek to bolster their attacking options. The Italian club has intensified their pursuit of the 22-year-old Danish international following Romelu Lukaku’s injury setback, positioning themselves as frontrunners in what has become a highly competitive transfer race.

Advanced Negotiations Take Shape

According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli are pushing hard for a loan deal with an obligation to buy for Højlund, with the Serie A champions confident of securing the player’s approval. The negotiations with Manchester United are now in an advanced stage, representing a significant development in what has been a lengthy pursuit.

Sky Sports reports that Napoli have informed Manchester United they are open to including an obligation to buy Rasmus Højlund at the end of the season in the loan deal between the clubs. This represents a crucial shift from their initial preference for a simple loan with an option to buy, demonstrating their serious commitment to securing the striker’s services.

Conte’s Priority Target

The Danish striker is claimed to be Antonio Conte’s preferred target, which explains why Napoli are prepared to invest substantially in him. Di Marzio confirmed that Højlund is among the first choices on Conte’s list, with the Italian tactician viewing him as essential to his attacking plans for the upcoming season.

Both Manchester United and Højlund prefer an obligation to buy over an option, making Napoli’s willingness to include such a clause particularly significant. The club recognizes that securing Højlund’s long-term commitment requires providing him with the confidence that comes from a permanent arrangement.

Financial Investment and Deal Structure

Napoli are reportedly considering a substantial investment of 40-45 million euros for Højlund, underlining their determination to secure his signature. This figure represents a significant reduction from the £72 million Manchester United originally paid Atalanta for the striker in August 2023, reflecting his diminished stock following a difficult second season at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s transfer committee has been scheduled to meet to evaluate Napoli’s proposal and decide on their stance regarding the deal structure. The Red Devils would prefer a permanent sale but have shown willingness to consider loan arrangements under the right conditions.

Lukaku Injury Creates Urgency

Napoli’s intensified pursuit comes after Romelu Lukaku sustained a serious muscle injury that will rule him out for approximately three months. The Belgian striker’s absence has forced Antonio Conte to accelerate his search for attacking reinforcements, making Højlund an increasingly urgent target.

While Lorenzo Lucca has joined Napoli on loan from Udinese, Conte wants another centre-forward before the summer transfer window closes. Højlund’s experience at the highest level and his previous success in Italian football with Atalanta make him an attractive proposition for the Naples club.

Player’s Position and Motivation

The Danish international has finally accepted his fate after initially resisting the thought of moving on from Manchester United. With Ruben Amorim omitting Højlund against Arsenal last weekend, the writing appears to be on the wall for his Old Trafford career.

Højlund has set a key transfer condition before agreeing to any move, insisting on guarantees regarding his role in his new club. As Fabrizio Romano explained: “Many people can say why he wanted to go, he wanted to stay at Manchester United. Why he wants to go now on loan with obligation and not on the option? Because Højlund wants to feel the confidence in his new club.”

Champions League Appeal

Napoli are confident that Højlund will be open to joining them thanks to the opportunity to play in the Champions League. The allure of European competition represents a significant draw for the Danish striker, who has experienced limited success in continental tournaments during his Manchester United tenure.

The Serie A champions’ recent title victory and their return to elite European competition provide an attractive platform for Højlund to revive his career and regain the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.

Competition from Other Clubs

Højlund has already rejected approaches from AC Milan, who were not prepared to commit to him beyond this season with a permanent deal. Newcastle United, Atalanta, and other European clubs have also monitored his situation, but Napoli’s willingness to include an obligation to buy gives them a significant advantage.

The Rossoneri’s shift in focus to alternative targets like Victor Boniface has essentially cleared the path for Napoli’s pursuit, leaving them as the primary contenders for the striker’s signature.

Manchester United’s Strategic Position

Manchester United have made it clear to Højlund that he is free to leave by excluding him from recent matchday squads. The arrival of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig for £66.26 million has further limited Højlund’s prospects for regular playing time at Old Trafford.

With the English transfer window set to close on September 1st, United are eager to conclude the transfer with sufficient time to potentially reinvest in other areas, particularly midfield reinforcements that have been identified as a priority.

Return to Italian Football

A return to Italian football could prove ideal for Højlund, who enjoyed his most productive period with Atalanta before his Manchester United move. The tactical sophistication and defensive challenges of Serie A football previously brought out the best in his game, suggesting that Napoli could provide the perfect environment for his rehabilitation.

Napoli have been tracking Højlund since his time at Atalanta and are well aware of his qualities, having monitored his development closely throughout his career. This familiarity could prove crucial in helping him adapt quickly to his new surroundings.

Timeline and Expectations

With negotiations advancing rapidly, both clubs are working toward a resolution before the transfer window closes. The continuous contact between Napoli and Manchester United suggests that a breakthrough could be imminent, particularly given the mutual benefits such a deal would provide.

For Napoli, securing Højlund would represent a significant coup in their efforts to maintain competitiveness across multiple competitions. For the player, it offers a chance to reset his career trajectory in a more supportive environment under one of football’s most successful managers.

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